A fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs and a drug screening method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a fruit fly platform and its drug screening method for screening anti-aging drugs. The fruit fly platform includes: a well plate, each well configured to hold anti-aging drugs and fruit fly feed, and to accommodate multiple fruit flies; a cover plate with ventilation holes; a camera component configured to capture video of the fruit flies; and a control module configured to extract the movement trajectory of the fruit flies based on the video and output healthy lifespan indicators, including: total movement distance per unit time, maximum movement speed, and center-edge preference index; and to construct a healthy lifespan decline curve based on the healthy lifespan indicators to evaluate anti-aging drugs. Because the well plate has multiple wells, and each well can accommodate multiple fruit flies, a large number of fruit flies can be raised at once, facilitating the feeding of different drugs at different dosages. Furthermore, by analyzing the healthy lifespan indicators through video and constructing a healthy lifespan decline curve to evaluate anti-aging drugs, a large number of anti-aging drugs can be screened rapidly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drug screening technology, and more particularly to a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs and its drug screening method. Background Technology

[0002] Fruit flies are widely used in aging mechanism research and anti-aging drug screening due to their short lifespan, abundant genetic tools, and mature models. However, in current technologies, traditional behavioral assessments (such as crawling experiments and negative tropism experiments) usually require long observation periods, have large errors in manual measurement, and have limited experimental throughput, making it difficult to meet the needs of rapidly screening a large number of anti-aging drugs.

[0003] Therefore, existing technologies still need improvement and development. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs and a drug screening method thereof, in order to address the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art, and to solve the problem that the existing anti-aging drug screening cannot quickly screen a large number of anti-aging drugs.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve the technical problem is as follows: A fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs, comprising: At least one perforated plate having multiple perforations, each perforation being configured to hold anti-aging drugs and fruit fly feed as well as to accommodate multiple fruit flies; At least one cover plate is placed over the perforated plate, and the cover plate is provided with vent holes; At least one camera component is configured to capture video of the fruit fly; The control module is configured to extract the movement trajectory of the fruit fly based on the video and output a healthy lifespan index, which includes: total movement distance per unit time, maximum movement speed, and center-edge preference index; and to construct a healthy lifespan decline curve based on the healthy lifespan index to evaluate the anti-aging drug.

[0006] The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs further includes: A light source illuminates the perforated plate.

[0007] The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs has a multi-layer fruit fly video acquisition structure, wherein 16 well plates, 16 cover plates and 4 camera components form a single layer of fruit fly video acquisition structure. The camera of the camera assembly is rotatable so that each camera assembly covers at least four perforated plates.

[0008] The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs, wherein the well plate is a 24-well plate.

[0009] A drug screening method for a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs as described in any of the above claims, comprising the steps of: Anesthetizing gas was introduced into the ventilation holes, and the fruit fly feed and anti-aging drugs were replaced to feed the fruit flies. Video of fruit flies was captured using a camera module; Based on the video, the movement trajectory of the fruit fly is extracted, and a healthy lifespan index is output. The healthy lifespan index includes: total movement distance per unit time, maximum movement speed, and center-edge preference index. A healthy lifespan decline curve is constructed based on the aforementioned healthy lifespan index to evaluate the anti-aging drug.

[0010] The drug screening method for the Drosophila platform used to screen anti-aging drugs includes the following anti-aging drugs: epigallocatechin gallate, arctiin, 2-pyridinecarboxylic acid, kaempferol, epicatechin, baicalin, chlorogenic acid, rapamycin, melatonin, phenethyl caffeate, nordihydroguaiac acid, arctigenin, α-ketoglutarate, quercetin dihydrate, vitexin, catechin, oleuropein, and chicoric acid.

[0011] The drug screening method for the fruit fly platform used to screen anti-aging drugs, wherein the total movement distance per unit time is: ; in, This represents the total distance traveled per unit of time. The conversion factor between pixels and physical distance. This represents the total length of the movement trajectory of all fruit flies within the detection area. This indicates the total number of fruit flies in the detection area. This indicates the number of dead fruit flies within the detection area.

[0012] The drug screening method for the fruit fly platform used to screen anti-aging drugs, wherein the maximum movement speed is: ; ; ; in, Indicates the maximum speed of motion. This represents the function that takes the maximum value. Indicates the first The average speed of a fruit fly within a time window This represents the total number of active fruit flies within the time window. This represents the total number of frames the fruit fly appears in within the time window. Represents Euclidean distance. Indicates the first The fruit fly was the [number]th [fly] within the time window. Frame position, This indicates the total duration of the fruit fly within the time window.

[0013] The drug screening method for the fruit fly platform used to screen anti-aging drugs, wherein the center-marginal preference index is: ; in, Indicates the center-periphery preference index. This represents the sum of the heat values ​​of all pixels within the central circular area of ​​the fruit fly. This represents the sum of the heat values ​​of all pixels within the edge ring region of the fruit fly. The central circle region is the area near the center of the hole in the perforation plate, while the edge ring region is the area within the perforation plate excluding the central circle region.

[0014] The drug screening method of the fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs, wherein the radius of the central circular region is 3 / 4 of the radius of the aperture.

[0015] Beneficial effects: Since the well plate has multiple wells and each well can accommodate multiple fruit flies, a large number of fruit flies can be raised at one time, which is convenient for feeding different drugs and using different dosages. By analyzing healthy lifespan indicators through video, a healthy lifespan decline curve can be constructed to evaluate anti-aging drugs, thereby quickly screening a large number of anti-aging drugs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the total distance traveled by a female fruit fly per unit time in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the total distance traveled by a male fruit fly per unit time in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the maximum movement speed of a female fruit fly in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the maximum movement speed of a male fruit fly in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the center-edge preference index of female fruit flies in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the center-edge preference index of male fruit flies in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a drug screening method using a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs, as described in this embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer and more explicit, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0024] This invention provides some embodiments of a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs.

[0025] The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs of the present invention includes: At least one perforated plate having multiple perforations, each perforation being configured to hold anti-aging drugs and fruit fly feed as well as to accommodate multiple fruit flies; At least one cover plate is placed over the perforated plate, and the cover plate is provided with vent holes; At least one camera component is configured to capture video of the fruit fly; The control module is configured to extract the movement trajectory of the fruit fly based on the video and output a healthy lifespan index, which includes: total movement distance per unit time, maximum movement speed, and center-edge preference index; and to construct a healthy lifespan decline curve based on the healthy lifespan index to evaluate the anti-aging drug.

[0026] Specifically, well plates are typically used as cell culture plates, with multiple wells, such as 6-well, 12-well, 24-well, 48-well, and 96-well plates. This application uses well plates as a device for rearing fruit flies. The well plates are 24-well or 48-well plates, which have more wells and larger diameters to accommodate multiple fruit flies. A cover plate is used to cover the well plate, with a small gap between the cover plate and the well plate. Gas can be dispersed to all wells through the gap, preventing fruit flies in one well from reaching another. Ventilation holes allow the injection of anesthetic gas into the well plate, thus anesthetizing the fruit flies. Carbon dioxide can be used as the anesthetic gas. After all fruit flies are anesthetized, the fruit fly feed and anti-aging drugs can be replaced. When replacing the fruit fly feed, a new well plate can be used to load the feed and anti-aging drugs. The original well plate containing the fruit flies is then inverted onto the new well plate, allowing the anesthetized fruit flies to fall onto the new well plate, and the cover plate is then closed. When administering the drug, the anti-aging medication can be added to each well when the temperature of the fruit fly feed has dropped to 45℃~60℃. This avoids drug inactivation due to excessively high temperatures and ensures uniform mixing of the drug in the fruit fly feed. The frequency of changing the fruit fly feed can be configured as needed, for example, changing the fruit fly feed every 2 days. The drug administration frequency can be consistent with the fruit fly feed changing frequency.

[0027] The camera assembly, consisting of a camera and a rotating component, captures video of fruit flies inside a hole. The camera is mounted on the rotating component, and its rotation allows it to be aligned with the corresponding hole for better image capture. The camera's rotation angle is 20° to 60°.

[0028] By processing the video and extracting the movement trajectory of each fruit fly, a healthy lifespan index is obtained. After a period of time, the video is recorded again, and the healthy lifespan index of the fruit flies may change. A healthy lifespan decline curve can then be constructed based on multiple healthy lifespan indices, thereby evaluating anti-aging drugs. Since the well plate has multiple wells, and each well can accommodate multiple fruit flies, a large number of fruit flies can be raised at once, facilitating the feeding of different drugs at different dosages. By analyzing the healthy lifespan indexes through video, a healthy lifespan decline curve can be constructed to evaluate anti-aging drugs, thus enabling rapid screening of a large number of anti-aging drugs.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs further includes: A light source illuminates the perforated plate.

[0030] Specifically, the light source illuminates the perforated plate, ensuring uniform illumination and preventing issues such as poor video capture by the camera module due to reflections or shadows.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs has a multi-layer fruit fly video acquisition structure, wherein 16 well plates, 16 cover plates and 4 camera components form a single layer of fruit fly video acquisition structure; wherein the camera of the camera component is rotatable so that each camera component covers at least 4 well plates.

[0032] Specifically, to further improve experimental throughput, a multi-layered fruit fly video acquisition structure can be formed by stacking components. A frame structure can be used, on which the well plates, cover plates, and camera components are assembled. Sixteen well plates are arranged in a 4x4 matrix, with four camera components located at the four corners. Each camera component covers four well plates. Using 24-well plates, with five fruit flies placed in each well plate, and constructing a three-layer fruit fly video acquisition structure, the total number of fruit flies is 5760.

[0033] The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs proposed in this application boasts advantages such as high throughput, automation and quantifiability, strong correlation with healthy lifespan, and a reduction in screening time by >70%. It can monitor a large number of fruit flies simultaneously without manual reading, and the video analysis is automated. It is low-cost, fast, and suitable for large-scale screening of anti-aging drugs.

[0034] Based on the fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs described in any of the above embodiments, the present invention also provides a preferred embodiment of a drug screening method for a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs.

[0035] like Figure 7 As shown, the drug screening method of this invention includes the following steps: Step S100: Introduce anesthetic gas into the ventilation hole and replace the fruit fly feed and anti-aging drugs to feed the fruit flies; Step S200: Capture video of the fruit fly using the camera component; Step S300: Based on the video, extract the movement trajectory of the fruit fly and output the health life index, which includes: total movement distance per unit time, maximum movement speed and center-edge preference index; Step S400: Construct a healthy lifespan decline curve based on the healthy lifespan index to evaluate the anti-aging drug.

[0036] Specifically, fruit flies have a lifespan of approximately two months. Anti-aging drugs help combat aging and extend their lifespan. During fruit fly rearing, anti-aging drugs are mixed into the feed. Different doses and types of anti-aging drugs can be mixed into the feed for fruit flies in different holes, resulting in different conditions and lifespans for the fruit flies in those holes. Multiple fruit flies are kept in each hole, consuming the same dose and type of anti-aging drug. These anti-aging drugs include: epigallocatechin gallate, arctiin, 2-pyridinecarboxylic acid, kaempferol, epicatechin, baicalin, chlorogenic acid, rapamycin, melatonin, phenethyl caffeate, nordihydroguaiac acid, arctigenin, α-ketoglutarate, quercetin dihydrate, vitexin, catechin, oleuropein, and chicoric acid.

[0037] Every so often, the fruit fly feed and anti-aging drugs need to be changed. This can be achieved by introducing anesthetic gas into the ventilation holes to anesthetize all the fruit flies, allowing them to be transferred from the old perforated plate to the new one. This not only maintains a good living environment but also ensures that the feed change process does not affect the continuity of the shooting data.

[0038] Based on deep learning models, such as background segmentation and multi-animal tracking models, the location and movement trajectory of each fruit fly are identified. The deep learning model can use Yolo v11. During video recording, one minute of video can be recorded for each hole; after recording for one hole, the camera rotates to record the next hole.

[0039] The total distance traveled per unit time is: ; in, This represents the total distance traveled per unit of time. The conversion factor between pixels and physical distance. This represents the total length of the movement trajectory of all fruit flies within the detection area. This indicates the total number of fruit flies in the detection area. This indicates the number of dead fruit flies within the detection area.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the total distance traveled per unit time reflects the overall physical fitness and health status of the fruit fly; the greater the total distance traveled per unit time, the better the overall physical fitness and health status of the fruit fly. (Pixel to physical distance conversion factor) Set to 0.0051cm / pixel.

[0041] The maximum speed of motion is: ; ; ; in, Indicates the maximum speed of motion. This represents the function that takes the maximum value. Indicates the first The average speed of a fruit fly within a time window This represents the total number of active fruit flies within the time window. This represents the total number of frames the fruit fly appears in within the time window. Represents Euclidean distance. Indicates the first The fruit fly was the [number]th [fly] within the time window. Frame position, This indicates the total duration of the fruit fly within the time window.

[0042] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, maximum movement speed reflects the neuromuscular response and mobility of the fruit fly; the greater the maximum movement speed, the stronger the neuromuscular response and mobility of the fruit fly. (Pixel to physical distance conversion factor) Set to 0.0051cm / pixel.

[0043] The center-edge preference index is: ; in, Indicates the center-periphery preference index. This represents the sum of the heat values ​​of all pixels within the central circular area of ​​the fruit fly. This represents the sum of the heat values ​​of all pixels within the edge ring region of the fruit fly. The central circle region is the area near the center of the hole in the perforation plate, while the edge ring region is the area within the perforation plate excluding the central circle region.

[0044] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the center-periphery preference index, calculated based on the spatial distribution of fruit flies within the hole, is used to assess spatial perception and memory, as well as its association with healthy lifespan. Statistical significance. : When the value is positive, it represents edge preference (thigmotaxis), and the larger the value, the more significant the wall-adhering behavior. When the value is negative, it represents a centrifugal preference, indicating that fruit flies tend to be active in open areas. When the value approaches zero, it indicates that the fruit flies are randomly distributed within the region, with no obvious spatial preference.

[0045] The radius of the central circular region is 3 / 4 of the radius of the hole. The radius of the central circular region is less than 0.75R, where R represents the radius of the hole. The edge ring region is greater than or equal to 0.75R and less than or equal to R.

[0046] The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs serves as a high-throughput, rapid screening platform. It continuously monitors the locomotion of fruit flies, generating a time-series of healthy lifespan indicators and constructing a healthy lifespan decline curve. This allows for rapid assessment of the impact of anti-aging drugs on healthy lifespan and early prediction of aging trends, replacing traditional low-throughput methods such as crawling experiments. The drug screening method described in this application significantly reduces the screening cycle from two months to one month. It simultaneously outputs lifespan throughout the entire adult life cycle and various healthy lifespan indicators, significantly reducing labor and time costs.

[0047] It should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the examples above. Those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs, characterized in that, include: At least one perforated plate having multiple perforations, each perforation being configured to hold anti-aging drugs and fruit fly feed as well as to accommodate multiple fruit flies; At least one cover plate is placed over the perforated plate, and the cover plate is provided with vent holes; At least one camera component is configured to capture video of the fruit fly; The control module is configured to extract the movement trajectory of the fruit fly based on the video and output a health life index, which includes: total movement distance per unit time, maximum movement speed, and center-edge preference index. A healthy lifespan decline curve is constructed based on the aforementioned healthy lifespan index to evaluate the anti-aging drug.

2. The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs also includes: A light source illuminates the perforated plate.

3. The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs has a multi-layer fruit fly video acquisition structure, with 16 well plates, 16 cover plates and 4 camera components forming a single layer of fruit fly video acquisition structure; The camera of the camera assembly is rotatable so that each camera assembly covers at least four perforated plates.

4. The fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The perforated plate is a 24-hole plate.

5. A drug screening method for a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Including the following steps: Anesthetizing gas was introduced into the ventilation holes, and the fruit fly feed and anti-aging drugs were replaced to feed the fruit flies. Video of fruit flies was captured using a camera module; Based on the video, the movement trajectory of the fruit fly is extracted, and a healthy lifespan index is output. The healthy lifespan index includes: total movement distance per unit time, maximum movement speed, and center-edge preference index. A healthy lifespan decline curve is constructed based on the aforementioned healthy lifespan index to evaluate the anti-aging drug.

6. The drug screening method for a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs according to claim 5, characterized in that, The anti-aging drugs include: epigallocatechin gallate, arctiin, 2-pyridinecarboxylic acid, kaempferol, epicatechin, baicalin, chlorogenic acid, rapamycin, melatonin, phenethyl caffeate, nordihydroguaiac acid, arctigenin, α-ketoglutarate, quercetin dihydrate, vitexin, catechin, oleuropein, and chicoric acid.

7. The drug screening method for a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs according to claim 5, characterized in that, The total distance traveled per unit time is: ； in, This represents the total distance traveled per unit time. The conversion factor between pixels and physical distance. This represents the total length of the movement trajectory of all fruit flies within the detection area. This indicates the total number of fruit flies in the detection area. This indicates the number of dead fruit flies within the detection area.

8. The drug screening method for a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs according to claim 7, characterized in that, The maximum speed of motion is: ； ； ； in, Indicates the maximum speed of motion. This represents the function that takes the maximum value. Indicates the first The average speed of a fruit fly within a time window This represents the total number of active fruit flies within the time window. This represents the total number of frames the fruit fly appears in within the time window. Represents Euclidean distance. Indicates the first The fruit fly was the [number]th [fly] within the time window. Frame position, This indicates the total duration of the fruit fly within the time window.

9. The drug screening method for a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs according to claim 5, characterized in that, The center-edge preference index is: ； in, Indicates the center-periphery preference index. This represents the sum of the heat values ​​of all pixels within the central circular area of ​​the fruit fly. This represents the sum of the heat values ​​of all pixels within the edge ring region of the fruit fly. The central circle region is the area near the center of the hole in the perforation plate, while the edge ring region is the area within the perforation plate excluding the central circle region.

10. The drug screening method for a fruit fly platform for screening anti-aging drugs according to claim 9, characterized in that, The radius of the central circular region is 3 / 4 of the radius of the hole.

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